When it comes to SAIC Audi A7L, I believe everyone is familiar with it. This model, which has pure Audi car genes and is more suitable for the taste of domestic consumers, was controversial when it was first launched. At the same time, it also provided a good choice for many consumers who wanted to buy a mid-to-large sedan but were worried about not being handsome enough and not sharp enough in handling. As time went on, SAIC Audi A7L also gained the recognition of most domestic users. In terms of sales, SAIC Audi A7L sold over 6,000 units in December last year and achieved a top ten sales performance in the mid-to-large car segment. SAIC Audi also took advantage of the momentum and released the new SAIC Audi A7L in February, planning to launch it in the first quarter of this year. We also had a dynamic experience with it before it was launched.
New SAIC Audi A7L offers three appearance packages to enhance its attractiveness. The car has upgraded its exterior and interior design, providing trendy and dynamic packages, as well as the more sporty and avant-garde RS package racing edition. The changes in the appearance of the new SAIC Audi A7L cater to the aesthetic needs of young consumers in China and showcase the car’s imposing presence as a large sports coupe in the Audi lineup.
The car we experienced this time is the new SAIC Audi A7L RS kit racing version, which is more aggressive in appearance compared to the trendy package. The whole car has been blackened in many places, and the new black hexagonal front grille is more impactful, with some changes in the shape of the air intakes on both sides of the front bumper. The honeycomb-shaped design inside the front grille matches the sporty temperament of the entire car.
The new car still uses LED high-definition matrix headlights, with dynamic auxiliary lighting mode, providing cornering lighting assistance, automatic high beam dimming when encountering vehicles/pedestrians, and pedestrian flashing light reminders. The internal shape of the lamp chamber is also full of a sense of technology, with high recognition after lighting up. At the same time, the new SAIC Audi A7L also supports optional intelligent laser headlights. The red taillights that run through have high recognition even when not lit, and the design also caters to the current design trend and user aesthetics.
The new SAIC Audi A7L sedan meets the needs of rear passengers for head space. The overall dimensions are 5076*1908*1429mm, with a wheelbase of 3026mm, consistent with the previous model. The test-driven RS package features black rearview mirrors, window trim, and door handles in the same color as the body. The “RS edition” badge is also added below the rear door, giving it a high-profile look.
Additionally, the new SAIC Audi A7L offers a total of 6 body colors to choose from, including the new “Eternal Gray” and “Arrow Gray,” as well as “Smoky Brown.” “Arrow Gray” is exclusively available for the RS racing version. Other trim levels cannot be equipped with it.
The new SAIC Audi A7L features a new style in the color scheme of the rear bumper, echoing the changes in the front grille. The RS racing version of the kit provides a fixed small spoiler above the rear door, adding stability and a sporty and personalized element to the vehicle. In addition, the badge has been blackened to stand out. The high-end frameless doors are still retained.
The new SAIC Audi A7L offers a variety of color and style options for the wheels, including 20-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, 21-inch V-shaped 5-spoke aluminum alloy RS dark black wheels, 21-inch double V-shaped 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, and 21-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy RS wheels. The test drive RS kit racing version is equipped with 21-inch RS-style five-spoke wheels, with red calipers and white RS logos on the wheels. The same size tires are used front and rear, with a size of 255/35R21.
Family-style cabin with added RS elements The new SAIC Audi A7L has not changed much in terms of cabin design and layout, retaining the rich Audi family elements. However, the RS package racing version tested this time has added RS elements in the details, enhancing the cabin’s sporty and exclusive atmosphere.
The entry-level model of the new SAIC Audi A7L comes standard with a wave-like silver brushed aluminum trim, while the RS kit racing version adds exclusive ash gray grid aluminum trim to the cabin, complemented by bright chrome trim that runs throughout the car, enhancing the youthful attributes of the new SAIC Audi A7L and further increasing its visual impact. In addition, the new SAIC Audi A7L RS kit racing version also offers exclusive interior color schemes.
The combination of a 10.1-inch LCD instrument panel, a 10.1-inch central control screen, and an 8.6-inch lower central control screen is familiar to everyone. This design combination is common in the current Audi brand mid-size car products. The three screens can be linked to each other, especially the lower central control screen, which is very convenient and intuitive for adjusting the air conditioning and some vehicle parameters. The car’s multimedia system supports CarPlay, making it easy for users to connect their phones for expanded functionality.
It is worth mentioning that the new SAIC Audi A7L also supports the instrument projection function of third-party map software. The new SAIC Audi A7L has also upgraded the function keys below the central control screen to touch operation, showing better integration with the screen and a certain sense of luxury.
The four-spoke sporty steering wheel is excellent in size and grip, giving you a solid and satisfying feeling while also igniting your desire for control. In addition, the central area of the steering wheel is covered in leather, and the RS racing package also features exclusive gray stitching, enhancing the overall exquisite detail.
The front one-piece sports seat is set to be slightly hard, providing better support for the body during intense driving. The comfort of the ride is good, and the test drive model also offers heated front seats. The RS racing version of the package also features RS-exclusive logos under the headrests. In addition, the car interior also includes RS element door sills and four-door RS logo projection lights. The rear seats also have very good comfort, and the large center armrest meets the needs of two people in the back seat. The only downside is that the non-adjustable height of the rear seat headrests may be a bit picky about body size.
In terms of space performance, the new SAIC Audi A7L has certain advantages compared to the imported A7. Not only is the legroom in the rear seat larger, but the headroom also becomes more spacious, and the overall sitting posture of the 173cm tall experiencer is more comfortable. In the 3.0T version of the car in this event, the backrest of the rear seat also supports front and rear electric adjustment, ventilation heating, and massage functions. Of course, if you want to enjoy these, you have to pay a little more.
The new SAIC Audi A7L still offers two power versions of 45TFSI and 55TFSI+7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. The 55TFSI model is equipped with a 3.0T V6+48V mild hybrid system, with a maximum output power of 250Kw and a maximum torque of 500N.m, and an official 0-100 acceleration time of only 5.6 seconds. The 45TFSI model, on the other hand, is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 180Kw and a maximum torque of 370N.m, and all models are equipped with quattro ultra intelligent four-wheel drive system. The engine is powerful and the response is smooth, and the ride comfort is good.
The new SAIC Audi A7L doesn’t have as much power as expected. The vehicle accelerates smoothly and the power output is linear. This brings increased comfort for passengers.
The 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission doesn’t feel particularly fast or aggressive during normal driving. However, when you engage the dynamic mode and S mode, and press the accelerator deeply, you can feel the transmission working actively to keep the engine at its optimal speed range, easily reaching a speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
The new SAIC Audi A7L has a very tight and well-organized chassis, which is evident during intense driving or on bumpy roads. The suspension tuning does not become overly stiff due to the vehicle’s dynamic positioning, but effectively filters out fine vibrations while still transmitting clear road feedback to the interior. When passing through large undulations at high speeds, the vehicle exhibits good suppression and support for pitching movements, with minimal unnecessary body motion. Combined with its low-profile design, the high-speed stability performance is reassuring.
Although the frameless door structure is used, the configuration of front and rear double-layer glass can effectively isolate the external noise from transmitting to the interior of the car. At a measured speed of 100 kilometers per hour, normal volume can be used for conversation and music listening inside the car, with almost no excessive wind and tire noise.
Summary: In December last year, the sales of SAIC Audi A7L exceeded 6,000 units, which is not easy for a large luxury car. With such good results, SAIC Audi launched the new SAIC Audi A7L, although the overall changes are not very big, the changes in some details are sincere enough, especially the RS kit racing version launched for young users, which also improves the appearance. The new car is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2024, although the price has not been announced yet, but based on the market situation, I believe that the pricing of this new car will definitely not disappoint everyone.